Executive Council
September 28, 2015
Engaging Residents for an Open Government
Premier and Minister Encourage Public Input on Draft Open Government Action Plan
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is asking residents for feedback on a draft Open Government Action Plan. The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, together with the Honourable Steve Kent, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement, encouraged the public’s participation during the release of the draft plan today.
The announcement was made during the start of Right to Know Week, held worldwide each year to raise awareness of people’s right to access government information.
“The draft plan we are announcing today positions the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador as a leader in open government and is consistent with best practices worldwide. We deeply value the contributions of people throughout the province, and we are asking them to share their ideas, insights and expertise, which we will use to finalize our very first Open Government Action Plan.”
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
The draft Open Government Action Plan features a variety of actions based on key issues and priorities identified by the public during the province-wide engagement process, which generated over 2,500 unique ideas from more than 700 participants. Along with implementing recommendations brought forward through the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA) review, the action plan will demonstrate ongoing leadership, create awareness and provide impetus for cultural change and actions required by all departments and agencies.
A number of key actions identified under the province’s draft Open Government Action Plan are already underway. These include:
- A new $200,000 Collaboration Incentive Fund to support and foster cross-sector collaboration on innovative projects, research and events. Applications and further information can be found at open.gov.nl.ca/collaboration;
- Publishing the draft action plan online in a Wiki format, which allows users to make comments, edits, and provide feedback for others to see and respond to. People with further ideas for the plan can provide them online at openwiki.gov.nl.ca;
- Launch of a new searchable ATIPP web portal, which streamlines the access to information process by allowing the public to search completed access to information requests online. The ATIPP web portal can be accessed at atipp-search.gov.nl.ca.
“Democracy requires citizen involvement. We want to become a world leader in engaging citizens, providing the information needed to make decisions and creating the best governance possible based on collaboration. Our draft Open Government Action Plan has been informed by input from residents from the very beginning, and today we are welcoming their feedback once more to shape the final version of plan.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement
For more information and to provide feedback on the draft Open Government Action Plan, visit open.gov.nl.ca. Comments will be accepted until October 28, 2015.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government is asking residents for feedback on a draft Open Government Action Plan.
- The Open Government Action Plan features a variety of actions based on key issues and priorities identified by the public during the province-wide engagement process, which generated over 2,500 unique ideas from more than 700 participants.
- A number of key actions identified under the province’s draft Open Government Action Plan are already underway, including a new $200,000 Collaboration Incentive Fund, publishing the draft action plan online in a Wiki format, and the launch of a new searchable ATIPP web portal.
- For more information and to provide feedback on the draft Open Government Action Plan, visit open.gov.nl.ca. Comments will be accepted until October 28, 2015.
- Sixty-six countries currently make up the Open Government Partnership.
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Media contacts:
| Heather MacLean Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3581 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca |
Donna Ivey Special Assistant, Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3551 donnaivey@gov.nl.ca |
| Kip Bonnell Communications Manager Office of Public Engagement 709-729-1221, 687-9081 kbonnell@gov.nl.ca |
2015 09 28 10:20 a.m.